Advice on getting an art or media related job?

Question

I'm in my mid twenties and still looking for a media related job, its frustrating as I know I have a lot to offer, however most jobs who ask for juniors then contradict themselves by then saying you have to have vast experience in several media applications, like they want to pay minimum money but get loads of hard work done in the process, I find this annoying, does anyone who's been in a similar position, have any useful advice other than "give up", thanks!

Answer 1

You have to get in there and convince them you can do the job. They advertise jobs looking for supermen and superwomen but only want to pay peanuts.

Forget getting a job working for someone else. Set up your own business and become a contractor, like a freelance designer. Then you're your own boss, and as such a free agent.

Answer 2

Best way to start is an internship. Media companies need loads extra hands and legs, and if you prove that you're capable of creative work with your mind and/or your hands, they know who can fill any vacancy that may crop up (usually do 'cos turn-over of art & media people can be rather high).

One reason you may not have been successful so far is 'cos the art & media circles emphasize the art more than the money. Demonstrate your passion for this field, take a longer-term perspective of this career, and the rewards will come when you become established!

Answer 3

If you know you have a lot to offer, perhaps focusing on a particular aspect of art or the media would help you stand out in the crowd. Sure, being semi-good at a lot of things may seem attractive but being great at a couple of things would probably get your foot in the door better.

Trying to get good at everything would most likely confuse you, as it is doing right now. I suggest creating a game plan to refine only skills you think are desirable / you enjoy in order to make the most out of your career. And besides, by the time you are proficient in all aspects of the media, you might as well teach instead of getting an art / media job anyway. ;]

Answer 4

the answer is voluntary work, voluntary work and more voluntary work I'm afraid. This is more important trying to get into the arts sector than any other industry - get involved in your local arts centre, volunteer as a runner at your local theatre, organise a community arts event for charity.. anything you can think of.

It's worth remembering arts and media jobs other than i TV (and even then only right at the top) don't tend to pay very well in general - very few arts workers make good wages - it's a job to go into for the love of it. You have to be prepared to take on oppurtunities for little or no pay, and be prepared to supplement occasional arts/ media work with other work (you'd be surprised how many script writers, actors, event co-ordinators etc have to have second jobs to make ends meet)

Also you need to focus on exactly what it is you want to do it's all very well saying "I want to work in arts or media" but that in itself covers a huge area that requires hugely different skills. Do you want to help produce TV programmes? Do you want to run visual arts programmes in schools or the community? Do you want to work in a theatre? Do you want to do admin or something more hands on? Do you wnat to work with children? Do you want to run a gallery? Do you want to be a journalist? Do you want to develop ideas for outreach programmes? Advertising? Publishing?

If you can narrow down the area a little you'll be able to target your CV, find out what specific experience you need to get for that role, and stand a better chance of convincing people you're up to the task.
And I'm afraid it will be a lot of work for lousy pay for a few years. That's the nature of the beast and there's no escaping it.

Answer 5

maximum folk attempting to make it as an artist have "day jobs" in unrelated fields, which they use to help themselves. you are able to then have some financial freedom. In an proper worldwide, you are able to locate a job with regards to the humanities, and in an quite proper worldwide, it may grant reward! yet what maximum folk maximum choose is a job that pays sufficient to allow them to pay for their paintings. So see in case you will locate a job, any job - admin, reception, regardless of - for an arts enterprise. If not, then locate a job working everywhere. some thing good and stable. that could desire to signify retail, eating place paintings, childcare, receptionist, shopper help - regardless of. This job isn't your occupation. it is your job, which you will use to help your actual occupation - your paintings. Use that factor to think of by using your suggestions. perchance you proceed your paintings as an artist, attempting to get into galleries and shows. perchance you determine you go with greater advertisement skills, and take photograph layout or advertisement representation training at a community college. perchance you flow back on your MFA and practice college. perchance you get your MS coaching and grow to be an paintings instructor, ok-12. perchance you paintings for a mutually as, then heck, you get your MBA and flow into merchandising and marketing. Who is conscious? valuable factor is, you have have been given suggestions. yet first step - get a job, any job, so which you will desire to purchase your self some financial stability.